Nichols School Community Volunteers with FeedMore WNY

While non-essential businesses are closed and Erie County residents are limiting their travel around the region, organizations like FeedMore WNY are vital to help keep local families safe and healthy by delivering food to their homes.

Nichols faculty, staff and students, including Spanish teachers Ron Montesano and Rebeca Redondo and Gretchen Gwitt '22 have volunteered with FeedMore to deliver food to families in need.

"I volunteered because I heard that FeedMore WNY was in desperate need of volunteers," Gwitt said. "I felt that it was critical to support organizations that are working hard to help our community through these hard times."

Gwitt helps compile the annual Verdian yearbook, and her service inspired her Verdian supervisor, Montesano, to join the effort.

"Knowing that she was taking time out of her day to help others inspired me to be a part of the mechanism," Montesano said. "Each time she jumped off the bus, arms filled with food for grateful recipients, I couldn't help feeling pride in her and in our school. #Buffalove is my home!"

For Redondo, the opportunity to impact her local community in Buffalo during such a crucial time helps her stay centered during this crisis. Earlier this year, her advisory connected with the International Institute of Buffalo and helped contribute to their holiday bake sale.

"I wanted to volunteer because I am focusing on what I can do these days to make this situation better, rather than thinking about what I can't do," Redondo added. "Every day I try to make small gestures that have a positive impact: posting a pretty picture, bringing donuts to a friend, helping a neighbor. This was a great opportunity to continue doing those things. When we help, we almost always get more than what we give and it makes you feel good. I was happy that I was able to contribute and I hope I will continue doing it in the future."

Thank you to every member of our community helping to keep Buffalo safe and healthy!